How does paracetamol work?

Paracetamol is thought to relieve pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord.

Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases. One of their actions is to sensitise nerve endings, so that when that area is stimulated it causes pain (presumably to prevent us from causing further harm to the area). As paracetamol reduces the production of these nerve sensitising prostaglandins it is thought it may increase our pain threshold, so that although the cause of the pain remains, we can feel it less.

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Paracetamol reduces fever by affecting an area of the brain that regulates our body temperature (the hypothalamic heat-regulating center).

Paracetamol is about as effective as aspirin and ibuprofen at relieving mild to moderate pain and reducing fever, but unlike these it doesn't reduce inflammation.

Paracetamol liquids and soluble tablets are absorbed into the body quickly and so start to work faster than other paracetamol dose forms such as tablets.

What forms does paracetamol come in?

You can buy unbranded or generic paracetamol as tablets, caplets (capsule-shaped tablets), capsules, soluble tablets, suspensions (liquids) and suppositories. These are widely available without a prescription from pharmacies and general retail outlets such as supermarkets.

You can also buy paracetamol under several brand names, including the following:

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.

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